Phone: (804) 788-6455
sam@virginiacapitaltrail.org
Sam McKelvey: Executive Director
Sam McKelvey is a nonprofit executive and community-focused leader who serves as Executive Director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. He brings more than a decade of experience leading cultural and preservation organizations through growth, transformation, and public impact.
Most recently, Sam served as President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Area Museum, where he focused on strengthening the museum as a true community institution—expanding programming, rebuilding public trust, and opening the doors to the city’s history free of charge to ensure access for all. Before that, he was Executive Director of the Menokin Foundation, leading a major rebranding, overseeing the award-winning Remembrance Structure, and managing the $9 million Glass House Project.
Earlier in his career, Sam managed multiple historic sites with Henrico County’s Historic Preservation and Museum Services. He holds a B.S. in Geography and History from James Madison University and an M.A. in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Official Press Release
Phone: (804) 788-6445
steph@virginiacapitaltrail.org
steph coolbaugh: special events & programs manager
Steph is thrilled to be back in their home state of Virginia to serve as Special Events and Program Manager for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with degrees in Arts Administration and Music, Steph stayed in North Carolina and worked alongside local nonprofits Girls Rock NC and Greensboro Downtown Parks in community engagement and event planning roles. Throughout their work, Steph has strived to center building more inclusive and accessible routes to participating in arts and outdoor spaces: their two great loves.
Originally from Mannassas, VA, Steph inherited their affinity for adventure in a family of hikers, climbers, and campers. In 2024, they hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc with their Dad and siblings, a tradition which nine total Coolbaughs have participated in. However, this year they’re looking forward to getting their bike legs on the Cap Trail!
Phone: (804) 788-6444
cyndee@virginiacapitaltrail.org
Cyndee Dragoo: director of communications and development
A key member of the VCTF team since 2019, Cyndee brings continuity, institutional knowledge, and a genuine passion for storytelling. A Navy veteran with a degree in business management and 15+ years of nonprofit experience, she offers strategic vision, fundraising and marketing expertise, and community-building skills to advance the Foundation’s mission, while supporting the Trail and its community. She is honored to work alongside VCTF’s talented staff, board, and dedicated volunteers.
An all-around Trail enthusiast, she loves running with the 5 Fields Brewing Running Club on Sunday mornings (even in the snow!) and helping people discover connection and community along the Trail. Off the Trail, she enjoys hiking adventures with her dog, Mya, training for her next run, or relaxing by a campfire with great food - especially when her husband is cooking. And if you see her on the Trail, watch out, you just might find yourself featured in the next Faces of the Trail!
Phone: (804) 788-6452
will@virginiacapitaltrail.org
will gillette: Director of trail development
Will is the Director of Trail Development for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. A native of the Richmond Region, he spent over a decade working in the bicycle and outdoor industry—a career that took him from Virginia, overseas, out west and back. After experiencing benefits that bicycle and pedestrian trails bring to individuals and communities, he returned home to Richmond to earn a graduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University.
You can find Will on the Capital Trail pursuing his wide range of hobbies, from birdwatching and bikepacking to running ultramarathons and everything in between.
Main Phone: (804) 788-6453
kristen@virginiacapitaltrail.org
KRISTEN WALTHALL: ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
As Administrative Manager of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, Kristen brings a well-rounded perspective to nonprofit operations, shaped by a career spanning volunteer work, board service, and professional roles in the sector. Her deep appreciation for the outdoors is reflected in her diverse adventures—from anthropological caving expeditions in the Yucatán to rappelling from the New River Gorge Bridge.
A native Virginian, Kristen enjoys spending time outside through hiking, camping, and tending her garden. She believes that outdoor adventures foster self-discovery and build confidence—values she carries into both her personal life and professional work. When she’s not exploring the outdoors, she channels her creativity into crafting nature-inspired jewelry and home décor.
